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Latauro Reviews IRON MAN 2
In 2008, my favourite movie featuring a man who dressed up in an improbable suit in order to fight bad guys was IRON MAN. This heretical view was one I found myself defending on many occasions: what, had I not seen THE DARK KNIGHT?
I had, and I dug it, and it ended up in my top ten of that year. But IRON MAN placed higher. IRON MAN had, in my view, been more successful at what it had set out to accomplish, and it's the film I've been most keen to revisit later. So, naturally, my anticipation for the sequel was pretty high.
Superhero sequels have a habit of being either as-good-as or better-than the originals, eschewing basic Hollywood mathematics. (Think SUPERMAN II, BATMAN RETURNS, X-MEN 2, THE DARK KNIGHT, SPIDER-MAN 2... hell, even the second FANTASTIC FOUR film managed to improve on the first.) With the pesky origin story out of the way, Part Twos feel freer. They're in a better position to stretch their wings and tell the sort of story you can only tell once an audience is fully caught up on what the rules are and who everyone is. That's when superhero films can sit back and make a truly great film before the inevitable part three slump. (Think SUPERMAN III, BATMAN FOREVER, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, SPIDER-MAN 3...)
IRON MAN 2 does not break this tradition. In fact, what it does is give us more of the same. That phrase sounds like an insult, but here it is intended as high praise. The first IRON MAN was funny, the characters were well-developed, the action was really good. I know the final battle has its detractors, but given the visual ADHD that so-called action directors throw at us these days -- I have, on previous occasions, compared Michael Bay's action sequence to the sensation of having someone wave streamers in your face -- I'll take Jon Favreau's style any day of the week.
As with the first film, the story itself is secondary to the manner in which it is told. To simply recount the plot would remove the interpretations that make it great. Robert Downey Jnr remains the very definition of perfect casting, bringing both charm and myriad character faults to a role that is usually bland in its everyman-ness. Gwyneth Paltrow is spot-on as Pepper Potts, and her chemistry with Downey Jnr is better than any other seen in a film of this magnitude for many years. Don Cheadle makes for a worthy successor to Terrence Howard, and much as I'd like to stake a claim on who played the role better, I can't. Both were great, and neither makes me pine for the other. The real surprises come from the supporting characters. Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johansson are unexpectedly understated in their parts; Rourke, in particular, avoids the obvious showboating choices that would have accelerated the proceedings squarely into farce.
But, in a film full of great performances, an award must surely go to Sam Rockwell for having the hardest job and pulling it off perfectly. Rockwell is not the main villain, nor is he a good guy. In fact, he's probably the most unlikable character of the bunch, behind Garry Shandling's beautifully smarmy Senator. If the film is about anything, it's about missed opportunities. Rourke's Ivan Vanko hates Tony Stark because Stark's father got all the success when his former partner -- Vanko's father -- did not. Rockwell's Justin Hammer hates Stark because Stark is smarter and more beloved than Hammer. But just as Hammer is desperate to beat Stark, he also wants to be Stark's friend. Rockwell plays this almost-pathetic duality so well, he's destined to be the unsung hero of the film. That clever desperation is actually echoed in Stark himself: when Tony Stark talks to Vanko for the first time, his innate desire to show off and impress everyone he comes into contact in serves as the seeds for his undoing later on. It's surprisingly clever stuff, and it's not often we see superhero films that have this much going on underneath.
Those concerned about how the film fits into the wider continuity that Marvel is so famously building will be very happy with this film. Samuel L Jackson gets proper screentime as Nick Fury, and his scenes actually feel important to the main plot, not just tacked-on pieces to set up a different film. (Oh, and stay in the cinema after the main credits. Unlike the situation with the first film, the press screening I was at actually included the post-credit scene, so I can assure you it's in there.)
I get the feeling that the initial reaction to IRON MAN 2 will be that it isn't quite as good as the first film, but I think that will largely be because the first film came out of nowhere. Robert Downey Jnr's Tony Stark was such an unlikely hero, such an unusually charismatic figure, that everybody seemed jolted out of their seats. Everything that was good about the first film is here in the second, only now we're expecting it. In time, when the dust has settled and both films are equally canonised, I suspect the general consensus will be that they are of equal quality. And though the phrasing may be limp, the conclusion is not: IRON MAN 2 is up there with the best.
Latauro
AICNDownunder@hotmail.com
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Can't wait to see it.
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I look forward to this one
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"my favourite movie featuring a man who dressed up in an improbable suit in order to fight bad guys was IRON MAN"
The Dark Knight is 10 times better than Iron Man. Fail review. -
...how he says "my favorite" instead of the best. This is saying it is his opinion retard. I liked TDK better than Iron Man as well. I think both are great movies, but TDK edges it out. With that said, someone is entitled to their opinion. Saying the don't is a sign you are a fucking moron.
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is my guess
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As good as Superman The Movie. That having been said, your list is otherwise solid.But from the very opening of Superman The Movie . . . that's the ultimate super hero movie. Opening up an Action Comics, fading into a live rotating Daily Planet ball . . . that movie was just brilliant. And the cast? Will there ever be a Lois Lane to replace Margot Kidder? I don't think so. Christopher Reeve, with his earnest line deliveries. The snappy dialog in the newsroom . . . Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor. Ned Beatty. Miss Teschmaker. On and on . . . most of it squandered in Superman II, except Terrence Stamp as Zod. But the weird powers the Phantom Zone escapees had, Superman's magic amnesia kiss, giving up his powers and getting beaten up . . . ugh! Hated that movie when I first saw. The first movie I ever really got super-psyched up and excited about only to be bitterly disappointed was Superman II. Superman III at least is put together, editing-wise, more coherently.
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A review from someone who seems to have the same attitude to the first movie that I did. (Though for me, Dark Knight edges out Iron Man if I stop watching before the end of it.)
I feel more anticipation for the movie now. -
To hell with everything else. What about her ass dammit.
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...but it sure smells good!
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Apr 28, 2010 10:30:36 AM CDT
Dark Knight had a weak ending. But benefitted by being a sequel
by v'shael
and not an origin story. Considering it was an origin story, Iron Man was fucking amazing. And placed against Batman Begins, I have to give it to Iron Man in terms of enjoyment, and Batman Begins in terms of "serious film-making".
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I'd say pretty balanced.I agree with nukeboy1970. I think The Dark Knight was a better movie, that said the nod to Iron Man was his OPINION, so I respect that and thought the review was very good.-Cheers
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But Dark Knight's third act blunders are much worse than Iron Man's since Dark Knight is 30 minutes longer. Two Face was so rushed at the end, that he was shafted big time.
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Pithy and precise. None of that long-winded crap I usually have to wade through (I'm looking at you "wheels").
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Tone. It's designed to entertain. It has heart. It has humanity. And the gigantic battle in Metropolis has yet to be equaled.
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The next one better be Directed by Ang Lee and have Mutant Poodles in it or I am not gonna go!!!
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Give me RDJ actuallt acting over Bale attempting to growl.
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Apr 28, 2010 10:42:05 AM CDT
Superman III may not be a great followup to II...
by shut the fuck up donny
...but so far it remains my favorite part III in superhero movies!
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It doesnt deserve to be lumped in with terrible threquels.
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Most misunderstood film EVER!!!
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While is no way comparable to I and II, is still a decent flick in its own right, if you remove all of the Richard Pryor shit.
The good/bad Superman fight in the junkyard is classic. I love all the stuff with CLark going back for his reunion. There is a lot of good stuuf in there, people forget that. And throughout all 4 movies, Reeve showed what a legend he was. -
And I was surprised. I've always been a big Batman fan and never even gave Iron man comic books a look. Iron Man just came out of left field for me and Downey was fantastic. Multiple viewings have been entertaining, but not so for Dark Knight, I've seen it twice and that's enough.
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It gets taken down periodically, but I did just see it and spoiled myself. People that don't expect it but know the comic storyline will like it though.
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Totally fine by me.
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Superman: The movie is still the super hero movie that all other super hero movies are judged by. It is by far the best super hero movie ever made. It holds up 30 years after it was made and the music is legendary. It had GREAT character development and only one person with super powers making it more realistic than these comic stories where everyone just happens to get dumped in toxic acid at the same time so that they can fight each other. Superman had incredibly good casting and directing. It had one of the best writers of all time (Mario Puzo), and it made all of us who saw it in 1978 believe a man could fly. The. End.
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Iron Man is a superhero film. It is a particularly good one (and I maintain, perhaps the best looking BluRay I own) but The Dark Knight is a much better film on the whole. The Dark Knight leaps past genre-underpinings and weaves a fantastic crime/morality tale.
RDJ had to carry Iron Man to make it work because the action wasn't fantastic. The Dark Knight succeeds because they didn't force Bale to carry the film. They allow Eckhart, Oldman, Freeman, and Ledger to create a much larger story.
This review suggest Iron Man 2 follows a similar path. I hope that is the case, but Iron Man 1 isn't in the same discussion as The Dark Knight. -
The first one was hindered by Lex's laughably bad evil scheme that involved launching a second missile at Miss Techmacher's hometown for no reason and then leaving her alone with Superman. Superman II was cheaper looking and had some random powers for no reason, but the whole movie made a lot more sense.
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Every fan insisted going into Dark Knight that they knew what was going to happen because of the existing canon. By killing Two Face right off the bat, there was a wonderful unexpected twist. By putting Batman on the run and keeping Joker alive, I think they were setting up something bigger for the third film.
Batman Begins could have gone nuts with a great villian, but focused on setting up something bigger.
I hope Ledger's death didn't completely ruin what they were building towards. -
Nobody is talking about it, which is so strange, after all that internet hoolahoop about it. So, what gives, dudes? Does Gweneth gets a slug in her pretty face or what? Inquiring minds want to know.
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Complete shit, both of them.
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I'm so sick of people saying that this movie is the "Citzen Kane" of superhero films. It's only great because of Chris Reeves and the theme song. Kidder is the most unatractive Lois Lane ever, Hackman is goofy and the whole "Earth's reverse rotation" it's freaking ridiculous.
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... THE DARK KNIGHT is the better movie. Yes, IRON MAN was pretty good, lots of fun. but in the quality stake,s THE DARK KNIGHT is better. Much better. Deal with it, you will so much better afterwards.Good review as always, by the way. Always good to read yours.
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When we can sit here and debate superhero movies? I enjoyed both TDK and Iron Man very much, but the prize winner for most frequent DVD viewings goes to Iron Man. Even the behind the scenes and deleted stuff was more fun(three bikini-clad girls in Dubai, anyone?). I'm anxious for IM2 and another Batman movie someday. Just gimme more Batcave, less Chicago. Thanks.
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... just don't get the point. The whole movie builds to that. The whole movie. TDK is not a movie where you take it all in passively. Which is the beauty of it.
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If I recall, mid-way through shooting Supes II Richard Lester took over from Donner. Lester did III on his own, and he's the one responsible for the slapstick, like all the pratfalls at the beginning of III and the Pryor stuff. I wonder what might have happened had Donner stayed involved. Then again, I'm glad he was free to do Lethal weapon in the late 80s-90s
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You are against making the earth go back in time but yet you are unwilling to laugh about a man in tights who hides by wearing glasses...now that's ridiculous.
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Totally agree about Reeve. The man was for my money the best actor to play a superhero hands down. While I like many of the other actors and think they are cast well..Bale, Mcquire, Keaton...none sell the range of emotions that Reeve did. Watching Superman Returns with another actor did not bother me, but the thing that stood out the most was the lack of anger towards Lex. You could always see the rage toward Lex in Reeves face like anyone would have in that same situation.
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I mean its all in the fucking trailer? Who was surprised by anything they saw in the first movie?
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That´s all.
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If you're going to see a movie called "Superman" you must accept that the main dude is a man in tights who hides by wearing glasses. But why he would have all that trouble, by saving trains and school busses, if he could just have a beer, watch the entire California get fucked up and then just go back in time.
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watch Superman III.
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Whoa, an actual review not a movie recap. Well done.
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...seems like a stalker, or like he'd be heavily into infantalism(sp?). There's something really creepy about that guy I can't put my finger on, nor would I want to.
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was good when it came out, still has a lot of nostalgic value to it...but Im over it. Its dated and the character is not true to the comics IMO.
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Have you ever fucked a gay cat while snorting ground up cactus? PENISSSSSSSSSS
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Quest for Peace, anyone? That movie ruled my world when I saw it in the theater, my kiddy eyes were fucked. And the black guy had long golden nails, what else could anybody ask for?
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Suceeds as that more than being a Superhero movie. It went a little too much into the Casino Royale/Bond territory of trying to make things a little too realistic, and killing some of the joys of these kind of films (even though there are some major drawbacks to going too far in the comicish direction:Ex. Batman and Robin). I think Batman Begins did a much better job of pulling off a comic book film, but still giving it grittiness. But of all the Batman films, the Burton ones are the only ones I go back to watch every year or so. Sure they have their dumb cheesy moments, but there's a lot of brilliance in there too.
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What was I thinking?
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A Donner/Lester mash-up cut for DVD. The Donner cut has some good stuff, but it just feels more like a bonus feature than an actual film. And of course the lester version has too much crap in it that keeps it from being good (Superman throwing his S!!!).
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Juninior?
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Have the most hilarious moments of product placement in film history. I still love the shot in the original film of the immaculately lit box of Cheerios sitting on Ma Kent's breakfast table after Clark discovers the crystals.
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I suppose I can understand some of the love for it, as it was really the first of its kind, but, umm, no way is it anywhere even close to that. Not only that, but Margot Kidder being 'great' as someone stated? Ick. A coked-up skinny wretch, and she looked and acted like a coked up skinny wretch. Everyone is entitled to their opinions of course, but for me the Reeve Superman movies are way too hokey and campy for my taste.It smacked of a 'Dino De Laurentis' movie, it was that level of cheese to me.
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Superman the movies, all of them, and perhaps the character itself, have always sucked balls. Never worth the time of day. Reeve simply wasn't a great actor (to compare him to Bale or even Downey is absurd). The only thing that salvaged his reputation is falling off a horse.
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Hard for anyone to argue that one.
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He's good, but he's overloading the movies with his schtick.
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Why not compare BATMAN BEGINS and IRONMAN? IRONMAN 2 should be compared to TDK.
Anyhow great review. -
I like Quest for Peace. I know it is terrible, but it is fun in that whole "Cannon Films" sort of way. Also, I am a bit forgiving of it due to fact that the director Sidney J. Furie had the budget for the film cut in half right as filming started. Plus, it has Mark pillow in it who has NEVER been i another film.
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Saw it on YT before it got taken down. The reveal in the end gave me goosebumps.
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Anybody who thought it was better than The Dark Knight is an idiot.
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Totally uncalled for. You have no class and no Honor. You are a small person, so sad.
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I remember he was supposed to be Jeff Bridges ~ sad they didn't give his character enough to time to go bad. Seemed strange, out of nowhere he turns into a villain for little reason... I don't remember Iron Man being that good at all. Loved Downey, that was about it...
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I heard that Morgan Fairchild eats deer hearts and poops fragrant strands of walleye eggs. Anybody else hear this? No? Then open up your spleens and listen to the transmissions coming from Neptune's anus collectors. You racist fuck priests!
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Was not better than Batman. FACT.
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For the chipotle cream sauce: Put all the ingredients in a blender, except the heavy cream and salt and pepper. Blend well. Remove from the blender to a mixing bowl and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. All the cream may not be needed. The correct consistency, is like a crema. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Add more chipotle in adobo for more spice, if desired. Cover and refrigerate.
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Was FAR better than Batman. FACT.
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Lay off the crack, it's making say and do CRAZY things.
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Is the best super hero movie ever.
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Honestly, once you see Richard Donners cut of Superman II, you'll see what a wasted film the theatrical relase was. Yes, it was good, but Donners cut was so much better. It's nearly a different film altogether.
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Actually I think it had the the most powerful superhero movie ending of all time. Instant classic. Walked out of the theater feeling like the movie had punched me in the gut.
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Apr 28, 2010 12:15:42 PM CDT
Batman Returns looked like it was filmed in a snowglobe
by mattmanreturns
It gets worse every time I see it. The Penguin is just nasty and has nothing to do with the character he's based on. Catwoman is cool, but she's also batshit insane for some reason. Oh yeah, because Tim Burton got his way.
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If they release a new Supeman movie, all of us are gonna talk about the Iron Man movies.
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you know it.
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If you thought the first one was better than the second, chances are you probably gonna go to Heaven.
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...was that it was a Penguin movie more than a Batman movie. Batman
Forever was a lot more enjoyable. -
of the film.totally pointless and unrealistic.Look TDK could tell exactly the same story in a lot less time.Thats my main problem with the film,it drags on and on to repeat the same fucking things.As i said great flick but not the masterpiece that the prejudiced fanboys believe that it is.After 10 years you will be talking about how TDK (and SM2 another mediocre film) was not that good,just like you are already doing with Superman,Xmen2,Batman returns,etc.remember that.
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it was more a Joker/2Face movie than a Batman one.
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had a lobster pinch their scrotum? Has it really been that furry? If you can't do it correct, eat a desk and keep with the barking at the moon. Periods are both for sentences and vaginas: just remember which one your mother prefers when suntanning in a cloudy sky in Idaho with Tea Partiers who voted for Nader's transexual maid from Bolivia for Treasurer of Ventura County, California in 1994. That might be hard; twas a different time, betwixt elections for the goat-prince homosexual lord! All hail Scrabble and turtles!
hahahahhhhhhahahahahhshshshshshshhahahahhahahahahahahehehehehehahha -
C'mon, everybody fucking loved that movie when it came out. Don't trash it right now just because it's benn 2 years.
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It was the best adaptation of the Batman TV series from the 60s.
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Everything revolved around him. Which was fine with me because Batman Begins fully established Batman in a very satisfying way. Also, Harvey was not treated like a villain. He simply had a story arc that ended tragically and violently.
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I too was left asking myself "what was so great about that?" after the movie was over. I liked it, but I never felt the urge to see it again.
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Giant Fucking Penguins. Enough said.
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It was great. Are we talking about 3 Ninjas at Mega Mountain, the best sequel ever. Wow, the times I've jerked off to that one...
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is it so tough for people to enjoy Iron Man more, but recognize the Dark Knight as the better film. I like both movies, but Iron Man is way more enjoyable on just about every level. The Dark Knight actually has a theme or twelve in it, and is by far the better movie. Everything is so freaking all or nothing here.
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Downeys Stark is NOTHING like how I remember the character to be. Downey is playing Downey, not Stark.
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This movie looks like a bloated mess.
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is the only way to watch SII. Everything now makes sense. How the Kryptonians got released from the Phantom Zone. How Superman got his powers back. None of the silly shit with Kryptonians shooting beams from their fingers or Superman throwing his logo at someone. The only problem was that the ending used the same time-travel gimmick as the first one. Nothing you could do about that except re-shoot the ending.
Also, I have really come to appreciate IM over the past few years. Enjoyable and rewatchable but it is not quite in the same league as TDK. TDK is in a league of its own. -
I was at the first showing in Norway!!!! I was the only guy who waited til after the credits!! I think i migth be one of ,if not the first to see MJØLNIR on screen:)!!! Also, the the way Tony uses Captain Americas shield was hillarious!!! Did you see the aftermath of the Hulks rampage on the monitors when Tony is talking with Nick Fury!!! This movie was great!!!! oh...In My Opinion ofcourse.....Also that little nod to the recasting of rhodey:) "i wasn´t expecting to see YOU here"
-"Im here, deal with it"
that was class....... -
One, they were both big blockbuster films i.e. critical and commercial success.Two,Superhero films based on the two rival comic companies:Marvel and DC often bring out the biased fanboy spirit from some if not most of us.("Batman is better' "fuck that, Ironman pwns!")and lastly, there is stark (no pun intended) contrast between the two superhero films. TDK had a more serious tone(Neo Noir as it's called.)more akin to a Crime drama than Burton's semi campiness. a great and complex story and a ending in which the protagonist makes a noble decision that serves somewhat as a cliffhanger with lines like;"why does he run?' "Because he has to.."Ironman however, had a good mix of action,humor and a origin that was partly inspired from the "Armor Wars' Saga. When Stark relizes that his weapons were being used to harm innocents, (not to mention his ailment with the shrapnel.)Tony changes to policy of stark Industires, thus envoking Obadiah to take drastic measures.The chemistry between RDJ and Howard was cool especially during two scenes.Ironman got it right on the first try, when there have been a few attempts from previous directors during Bats' 80's-90's run until Nolan hit it out the park. And yes, I'll put up with Bale anyday than flabby faced keaton.IMO both are great films and worthy of being in my Blu-ray collection.
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TDK is the better film, with the better acting and writing overall. It felt more like it was based on a Batman graphic novel than a comic book story arc. Instead, Iron Man certainly had that more comic-book-like feel, and was just fun as hell to watch. In the end, to me, it goes like this: IM feels like an incredible comic-book adaptation, TDK feels like an incredible adaptation of a graphic novel.
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WHAT A BLAND OVERRATED MOVIE... KICK ASS WAS 1000 TIMES BETTER
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oVsw17kEJg
dont watch it if you havent seen the film....... -
Batman Returns can't suckle on the throbbing cock that is Burton's first Batman. That movie was utter shit. That piss-poor observation alone kills the veracity of this reviewer's opinion.
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Compared it to DARK KNIGHT, that is. Because, while it was a terrific Joker movie, I couldn't help feel they'd forgotten to put in the Batman. As Batman movies go I thought it quite inferior to BATMAN BEGINS.
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as well. It's infinitely more re-watchable and much more fun. Is it a 'better,' higher quality movie? I'm not sure, probably not. Dark Knight has many issues though, too long, has many plot holes, the third act sucks (just like many people say Iron Man's does.) The fight scenes are somewhat weak. Two-face stuff is a mess/waste of the character. It's a good movie but overrated and Iron Man kicks ass.
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Mickey Rourke has got movie gossips guessing about the actress he hated working with after confessing to teaming up with "a pain in the ass" in a recent movie.
"The Wrestler" star reveals the actress in question has fooled everyone into thinking she's "a lot better than she is."
Rourke tells MovieHole.net, "I worked with an actress recently who, despite having a reputation as a good actress, s**ts herself when that little red light comes on.
"She's fooled everyone into thinking she's a lot better than she is. Working with someone like that is a pain in the a**."
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Just awful. If you're still engaged in the movie by the time Penguin is giving his monologue to his little penguins in the sewer, than you have some serious patience. I so couldn't give a fuck at that point.
Superman II rocked me into the back of my seat when I saw it in the theatre. Even the amnesia kiss and the shooting beams from fingertips couldn't derail the glory of that Metropolis battle. The underneath shot of Zod, Ursa and Non flying through downtown, the score etc. All great. Like the other poster said...i have yet to see it equaled.
And I'm glad to see an Iron Man II review like this from someone who seems to have the same feelings about the first one. I'm very skeptical about this one. Harry's review is...well, Harry's review. I love the passion, but I need a more clinical review. Thanks. -
how shall I put it, in your face with it's, uhmm, content (20 something year old Robin shacking up with Bruce Wayne, "Train Me Bruce, Let me be your PARTNER!"...Riddler and Two Face prancing around in jewelry after a heist, Batman having to choose to save his girlfriend and his partner, and choosing both, nipples on Batman bondage suit, etc...)
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And if you think otherwise, there's always The Return of Captain Invincible.
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No mention of Scarlett's ass ging up stairs? I have to say i'm disappointed in Latauro - after all he is from 'down under'.
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Maybe Latauro had to take a piss halfway through and missed that moment.
Me, i'd rather have pissed my pants than missed Scarlett's ass going up stairs. -
Apr 28, 2010 1:45:18 PM CDT
People who like Iron Man more than TDK do so because..
by industrykiller!
It's an easier lighter film. And there's nothing wrong with that, I love Iron Man too, but that does not make it a better film, because it , in very demonstrable levels, is not. One's enjoyment of something or it's rewatchability has nothing to do with quality. I'm sure you guys watch Iron Man more than you do Raging Bull, but that doesn't mean it's a better film. The Dark Knight is firing, expertly, on too many thematic and allegorical levels to be anything but a masterpiece. The filmmaking contained therein is also brilliant, EASILY the best of Nolans career and the first demonstration of the auteur status thrust upon him prematurely. But my favorite part is what a brilliant comic book adaptation it is. People say Iron Man is a more comic bookey film, I would disagree, less dark does not mean more comic bookey. The devil is in the detail with TDK. In Begins Goyer's awful script goes to almost comedic lengths to maintain realism, only to throw that away completely whenever it becomes inconvenient. This also makes Bruce Waynes weak origin into becoming batman, an origin that fails even get to square one when describing how a man basically wills himself to becoming inhumanly adept at fighting crime. and doesn't even attempt to crack the surface of Bruce Waynes insanely complicated pathos, seem at once too long AND an afterthought. Nolan, scripting himself, wisely injects a much more pulp fiction sensibility into the proceedings without sacrificing tone. WHile the characters are written humanely, the Gotham City Batman exists in, while aesthetically recognizable, is firmly in the realm of comic books from the very beginning bank heist. While the film may not have the devil may care attitude of Iron Man, and is much mroe of a slow burn, I find it's brilliant commentary on the relationship between comic book heroes and villains, the best I've ever seen in ANY medium, to be incredibly thrilling and entertaining.
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Make it so.
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For example Superman II is incredibly exciting up though the big fight with the phantom zoners in Metropolis, then it turns to shit. Batman Returns isn't bad up through the Catwoman rampage sequence, then it rots. Batman Begins takes a dive at the party scene. Dark Knight has the stupid ferry plot, etc etc. Is there some kind of gremlin out there who ruins these films or is it the meddling bankers and the studio heads? At least Iron Man was constantly bland throughout.
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Apr 28, 2010 1:52:58 PM CDT
"hell, even the second FANTASTIC FOUR film managed to improve on
by nocturama
I stopped reading after that.
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"hell, even the second FANTASTIC FOUR film managed to improve on the first"
that's the whole quote -- -
He really didnt have any scenes with Paltrow or Johannsen ? I know he hates Nicole Kidman, buts thats old news...... I read an interview were he said he wouldnt bash people like this again..... guess he never learns. But he`s so cool it doesnt matter. This is odder still : Rourke quote about Megan Fox :"It was a lot of fun. (Fox) was great to work with... I mean, look at her! And it was also great to work with someone who may be beautiful and good-looking but also knows how to do her homework. I think people will have a different perspective of her (after this film). It was great to work with someone like Megan."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dailydish/detail?entry_id=62265#ixzz0mQGScTA4
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...Batman running from the cops with the voiceover from Gorden gives me chills every time.
Thought both movies (IM and DK) were excellent in completely different ways, and definitely looking forward to IM2. -
The youtube video keeps getting taken down, someone just tell me if both Cap and thor appear?
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it establishes a very believable world where an Iron Man super-hero is not a far-fetched reality.While the world of TDK looks realistic on surface,if you sit down and think about it,a lot of things dont make sense.Take for example the tumbler.batman uses a tank as a car to patrol the city.and in both movies the only thing that he managed is to destroy half the city.even Alfred mocks him about that in both films ffs.or the whole plan of Gordon,Bamtan and Dent to capture Joker.i am the only one who noticed a bit of an awkward moment when everyone was celebrating that they captured the Joker while half a dozen of cops died without probably even knowing that the whole thing was a bait for Joker? frankly i would call the whole execution of the plan a total failure from the part of Batman.is this realism?yes Iron Man did have its pair of unreal moments (the sequence when the f16 were hunting IM didnt make sense.where the fuck was Rodney's base with the radars? in middle-east or in usa,because the whole time it seemed like he could take his car and go see Tony.)But IM was a light-heart,family,entertaining movie so you could easily bypass these nitpicks which were unable to harm the verisimilitude of the film.Whereas TDK purpose was from the start to be a very serious,mature and realistic movie and thats why its flaws of realism are more noticeable and more criticized.
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is as unreal as it gets.Obviously Nolan,whose interest in human psyche is pretty obvious in his films, has no clue how people react in the face of death in real life.
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Apr 28, 2010 2:06:56 PM CDT
people who say that if you like IM better than DK are idiots...
by robosushi
are idiots themselves. these are opinions. I think Dark night was a great movie, over all I like Iron Man better. It was just more fun for me. I loved watching Downey in that role. Bale, not so much. Yes, Ledger was amazing as the Joker... and that really made that film. But somethings in it didnt do it for me sometimes... The whole 'Gordon is dead, oh hes not" was useless. Gyllenhaal sucked. And the Two Face thing... admit it... was rushed. I actually liked the build up for it, but would have liked if they saved him for a movie all by itself. Not saying IM didnt have its faults either... the ending fight scene, blah. But I like it more. Understand that DK fanboys, people like other things than you.
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was a pile of puss, except for Michelle Pfieffer. She is the only reason to watch it. The Dark Knight was good, but only because Ledger was brilliant. Iron Man was easily the best of these 3 - because of RDJ.
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hear him.
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SHIELD assembles a team to defend Earth from such an "secret invader", the group consists of eccentric scientist/academia types set to form the "Defenders", the oddball team set apart from the more distinguished Avengers team. Project "Defenders" will be the “Twilight Zone/X-Files” of the new Marvel movie franchises; they want it to be a Dr Strange-centric movie less on the action and more of a creepy thriller type of vibe to it. Marvel is gunning for a post-Hobbit Guillermo del Toro to direct and Neil Gaiman to write, both of whom expressed interest in the project in the past http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=21964
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with different styles and tones. Iron man was more entertaining in a light-hearted, fun action sort of way while TDK was filmatically impressive and admirable on many levels, delivered the goods in many ways but had a very dark undertone and Heath Ledgers death lurking in the background.
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TDK is the movie you put on when you want to think and take in a more serious, cerebral superhero film, while Iron Man is for kicking back and having a good time with fun characters, great action sequences and a goofy sci-fi feel. Both great movies, but very different. I'm thankful to have such a wide range of quality Superhero films, and can't be bothered to waste my time with "this is so much better than that".
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Apr 28, 2010 2:26:06 PM CDT
HEAR THY CHILDREN THE WORDS OF SITH MENACE, FOR TIS THE TRUTH
by dharma4
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I still love Burton's iconic 89 original but the sequel was fucking terrible and you all know it. Kudos to Burton for getting Warners to finance such a dark and gothic summer flick though.
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Was terrific. Much, much better than the '89 Batman.
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You're going to have to explain further about the barge scene. Are yous saying it's unrealistic that no one pushed the button? Well, I disagree, I think having the deaths of thousands on your spirit might deter anyone from doing something like that, even hardened criminals, whoa rent all monsters.As for the Joker chase scene, yeah the Joker pretty much won that one. in fact he more or less beats Batman from beginning to end. Which I thought was pretty fucking cool. It certainly does it orgnically.But I see and understand your larger point that TDK seems more realistic and therefore its comic book elements stick out more. I would agree with you in Batman Begins, whose tone is all over hte god damn place and is an incredibly overrated film, but liek I said in my post above, I think from teh get go Nolan establishes a world very firmly planted int eh realm of comic books. From the bank heist hoods to the terrified teeming masses of Gotham to the VERY comic bookish criminal underworld element. While the aesthetic tone of Nolans world seems to be more real, there is PLENTY in there that makes the whole thing exist in a clearly heightened reality, and that tone is consistent throughout.
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Apr 28, 2010 2:30:43 PM CDT
TDK Serious and cerebral? Bullshit.
by hey_kobe_tell_me_how_my_ass_tastes
It was a fun but seriously flawed movie. Too many geeks are looking for a 'Godfather' equivalent and just latch onto to TDK because they think Nolan can do no wrong. Bull-fucking-shit.
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And remains TDK's biggest flaw.
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Nolan's Batman films and Iron Man are better than the Raimi Spider-Man trilogy or Singer's two X-Men films!
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He might be back???
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better plot/story = TDK
better dialogue/script = TDK better acting/gravitas = TDK
more suspense/emotional impact = TDK
more action/thrill = TDK
better music/score = TDK
is fun/light = Iron Man
Therefor... no contest. TDK is a better film than Iron Man, based on logic and reason. -
His opinion is based on hate for TDK fanboys who bashed Avatar, not the movie.
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Apr 28, 2010 2:38:54 PM CDT
I totally agree the Spider man and X-Men franchises are weak
by industrykiller!
Those arent great films. Period. ANd they arent great representations of the best elements of the comic books the represent. Raimis trilogy is especially disappointing given that the two most interesting, and pathos driven characters in the history of comic books are Bruce Wayne and Peter Parker, and Raimi just does not get into the meat and potatoes of that character. I doubt the reboot will either. Sigh...
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its still your opinion. I think the acting is better in IM... my opinion is that Christian Bale still cant act. Heather Ledger was great. Gary Oldman (who I love as an actor), was alright. RDJ owns for me. Thats my opinion. Stopping being an idiot you moron
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that is all.
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I never said TDK was a Godfather equivalent, and I never said Nolan can do no wrong. The point of my post (which you obviously missed)was that They are two wildly different movies, both good in their own right. Nice try though.
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TDKPros:Great Story,improved fight scenes,best ending of a sequel since Empire strikes back , impressive soundtrack and of course great performances courtesy of:Eckhart,Caine,Freeman,Oldman and of course Heath ledger.(Nicolson, who?)Great dialog like "an unstoppable force versus an immovable object". Cons:Maggie Gylenhall replaces Katie Holmes is a step way back.Bale's raspy voice although I can understand it's for the sake of anomitity.Two Face during the 3rd act did have that rushed feel to it but Aaron pulled it off somewhat.The 'you sink my battleship" scenario wasn't as bad as many may think BTW,so i don't see that as a Con.IronManPros:Great intro that leads to a flashback,IM's armor! Great design thanks to Stan Winston's studios,A few good action scenes here and there (not to mention that Ironman doesnt give the bad guys a "slap on the wrist" if you know what I mean.)a nice comedic touch and what can I say, RDJ!Oh, and the surprise post credits scene was the fucking icing on the cake.Avengers mission, FTW!Cons:The typical walking away from the explosion cliche needs to die,No mandarin with the exception of the 10 rings organization,wasted final battle between IM and Obadiah Stane,weak score with the exception of the scene in which tony escapes from the 10 rings gang via prototype armor, and that's all I could think of really.But like i said before, both are great Comic based films and still hold up to last year's crop of flops(TF2,GiJoe and Terminator Salvation) and overrated,albiet forgettable films like Avatar.
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in order to properly assess the story. It really throws the sequel into a whole new light. The added and changed parts tie in to Superman I better and are a great improvement. If you've only see the Lester cut of Superman II (theatrical cut) than you are really missing out.
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But jeez, so was Stargate!
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I don't care.
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Spider-Man 2 is actually my favorite superhero film of all time. I grew up reading Amazing Spider-Man, Web of, Spectacular and anything else where Spider-Man crossed over, so I'm a little jaded, but I thought the first two SM films were excellent. Not without flaws, but definitely better than most other Marvel attempts up to that point.
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Dark Knight. At least you kind of felt some emotional connection between her and Bale in Batman Begins. Gyllenhall just seemed out of place, and had a problem playing the optimist that Rachael Dawes was set up as. And this is coming from someone who thought Katie Holmes wasn't that great in Batman Begins and usually likes Maggie Gyllenhall's work.
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Good. That means you can't defend your wrong and obnoxious post. I win, have a nice day.
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Apr 28, 2010 3:20:14 PM CDT
Sith - does that make you feel better bubie?
by hey_kobe_tell_me_how_my_ass_tastes
I'm so happy for you that your life is now so much better because you unilaterally declared yourself the winner in an anonymous talkback especially when the 'other side' -that would be me, feels no need to engage in a debate because you stated your opinion and I stated mine, and ne'er the twain shall meet. But you just keep fuckin that chicken and polishing your award for the win!
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Make up your mind champ.
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Apr 28, 2010 3:35:28 PM CDT
Superman is the best superhero movie but Puzo had nothing
by professor_monster
to do with it's success.
Puzo's script was a joke feast and was 400pages + of nothing but ramblings. Tom Mankiewicz is the one who made that script what it was. All of the qouteable lines like "This is no fantasy" all the way to "Peter pan flew with children, Lois.... in a fairy tale" are Tom's work. -
"If he really loved her, he'd let her hit the ground. It would be a much more painless death..."
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and i bought the bluray s.e. immediately when it was released.so pal guess what: WRONG AGAIN.BOUAHAHAHAHHAHAHA HA HA HA
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With the Hobbit movies on hold, Marvel is gunning for Guillermo del Toro to
direct and Neil Gaiman to write Dr. Strange [link removed]
A Doctor Strange-centric "Defenders" movie that fits into what Marvel is now
calling the “Marvel Cinematic Universe”. SHIELD pulls together a paranormal
special ops team after the Military/SHIELD/NASA made contact with a "Beyonder"
(or Celestial, some sort of "magical" trans-dimensional entity like... ahem, an
Asgardian perhaps?) SHIELD realizes it doesn't have the capabilities to
ascertain if this “thing” is a threat or not. Thus sets the premise for the
Defenders movie, where the use of occult, fringe science, brains, and brawn are
employed to defeat a multi-dimensional and or “secret invasion” cosmic threat to
save the day in such a way that Avengers cannot.
The team that SHIELD assembles to defend us from such an invader will be a group
of eccentric scientist/academia types culled to form the "Defenders", the
oddball counterpoint to the distinguished Avengers team. Project "Defenders"
will be the “Twilight Zone” of the new Marvel movie franchises; they want it to
be less of an action movie and have more of a creepy thriller type of vibe to
it. The Defender operatives will consist of group leader - the brilliant Dr.
Stephen Vincent Strange former renowned neurosurgeon turned occultist scholar
and “metaphysicist” (character to be loosely based around Aleister Crowley
/Terence McKenna eccentric by way of Robert Langdon, Namor McKenzie
(Sub-Mariner, the superhuman Jacques-Yves Cousteau by way of Rudolf Steiner,
believes he’s the literal Prince of Atlantis) , Dr. Robert Bruce Banner (Hulk,
brilliant “omnidisciplinary” scientist, the world’s greatest expert on gamma
radiation… need we say more?), Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym (Ant-Man, MIT professor
renowned quantum physicist), and his partner Janet Van Dyne (Wasp, one-time
student to Pym now associate, extremely bright but introverted Lady Gaga
“individualist” type). Themes incorporated into Defenders movie include motifs
from the bestselling magical/occult/secret society Dan Brown books, along with
themes from the more recent Marvel series involving Secret [link removed]
storylines (specifically the newer S.H.I.E.L.D. 2010 comic series). They'll be
looking for lean lesser-known actors to play non-super hero type characters, and
there are ruminations that Strange may be pushed forward to play a crucial role
as catalyst to merge the magical other-dimensional realms like Asgard into the
more "realistic" Iron Man universe.
Questions remain about the timeline and release of the Doctor Strange character
into the big screen. Will we see Doctor Strange in a smallish part for the
upcoming Avengers movie helping to usher in the “magical” component onto the
Marvel Cinematic Universe? Or will Strange remain left out of the Avengers
universe altogether for now, and another plot device or character be used to
infuse the “magical elements” instead of him?... They are determined to bring on
Dr. Strange movie post Ant-Man, the question remains will Strange remain
side-lined for now? Some at Marvel are extremely hush-hush as plot points,
characters as well as want-lists that are still being hashed-out for upcoming
films, others think it’s good to gauge public opinion about what properties the
public truly cares for and how they can be incorporated to the larger Marvel
Movie-verse whilst staying true to the premise of the characters. Some of us
like me see the potential and are really pushing for a Doctor Strange-centric
Defenders movie but more importantly having Strange play a pivotal if not
smallish role in the upcoming Avengers movie.
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and bought the Blu-Ray.
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comes up people can't stop talking about how much better or worse The Dark Knight was? It's gotten old.
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TDK v Sophie's Choice
better plot/story = Sophie's Choice
better dialogue/script = Sophie's Choice
better acting/gravitas = Sophie's Choice
more suspense/emotional impact = Sophie's Choice
more action/thrill = TDK
better music/score = tie
is fun/light = TDK
Therefore... no contest. Sophie's Choice is a better film than TDK, based on "logic and reason."
Have fun with Meryl Streep, I'll be watching IM2.
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...for a nondark Batman movie... I think I enjoyed them all for what their worth (Batman Returns for the love angle of Batman, Batman Begins for origin, Dark Knight for the Joker, Batman Forever for its fun, Batman and Robin for its camp, Return of the Joker for a future Batman story, the Batman tv show movie for its villains, and Mask of the Phantasm for an iconic Batman story)...
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Iron Man 2 will follow it. It will never touch the greatness of The Dark Knight.
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it was so refreshing to watch a superhero movie that you know. was fun, way too many these days dry and have inner turmoil/demons and depresion thrown in, but in all honesty these are based on comics, why not make them fun to be a superhero (spiderman kind of attempted this but failed with the third one)batman can be dark, he is after all a normal human whose led a shitty life, but i don't need to see superman brooding or iron man depresed, for fucks sake
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Those movies were garbage. Weak acting and weak plot. Its a disgrace to comic book movies.
Batman is not a fun superhero retard. That's why Batman and Robin was shit. They made him fun and not dark. Stop talking about something you know little about. -
i seen an advanced screening, this movie was ok but nothing to brag about.. it was fun but after a few hours u forget the movie, it doesnt stick with u and i bet within 4 months this movie will be nothing but a memory to ppl
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Apr 28, 2010 7:14:18 PM CDT
even the second FANTASTIC FOUR film managed to improve on the fi
by raptorjesus
No, Just no.
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I am plugging my ears and closing my eyes. I am refusing to read any reviews, comments, sneak peeks or even trailers. I am going into the movie cold so I can enjoy it and not be predjudiced, anticipatory of something or spoiled out of enjoying the movie.
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http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=65561
Also that Defenders movie will never happen. Sounds like a fanboy dream. -
Will totally be my highlight for the summer, personally iron man was def. on par with the dark knight
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I cant agree that it was better than Batman.
I am definitely looking forward to IM2 though. -
The original is better by FAR--Surfer was cool, though.
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because the Joker is 100 x more fun than the Ironmonger.
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I agree with your sentiments about those scenes but I'm not even sure if the roller skating guy is in the Donner cut!!
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Really enjoyed the review and it backs up what I was saying on another talkback that IM2 has the burden of insanely high expectations. Even if it is as good as IM many people will be disappointed. But people you must judge a film on its merits alone and try to maintain balance when going into a movie you are excited about.
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I have to disagree that the acting in TDK is better than in IM, I think in both movies the acting was excellent. While Ledger's performance was captivating it is always easier to play an over the top character than it is to play an understated one. The person who I think doesn't get enough credit for doing a great job was Bridges in IM. Instead of starting out as some crazed bad guy he is a much more realistic villain, cunning, charming, manipulative and sneaky as you don't know he is way bad until you are dead. For me that is a much more interesting villain. Being a big IM fan I knew going in the Stane was bad but for people not familiar with the IM storylines it would have definitely been a surprise to them when Bridges turns out to be bad. He played it perfectly and at the end when the power of Iron Monger is blowing his mind he goes over the top, which makes his development as the villain very nuanced instead of in your face I am the villain in this movie from the get go. Also Downey absolutely owns Bale in regards the main character, not saying Bale didn't do a good job but Downey was just flat out better. As far as the other actors Paltrow has never been sexier or more interesting than in IM. So overall IM gets the nod for better acting as Downey gets the win over Bale in my book.
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Apr 28, 2010 11:10:41 PM CDT
Why my friends at Latino Review are Dead Wrong about Iron Man 2
by eddiemurphyslaugh
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Apr 28, 2010 11:14:50 PM CDT
The fact any of you are still talking about Batman Forever auto.
by eddiemurphyslaugh
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At least that's my personal opinion, and as such isn't right or wrong.They have really impressive production values. Great casts. Some effective moments, and great consistent tone. But they're also pretty thin stories if you really look at it, the acting is of a very limited range (Bale especially--pretty flat overall), and all the sound and fury seems to want to imply more substance than we're actually getting.Begins put me to sleep (literally, which never happens), and as striking as TDK was on first viewing, it's not really all that memorable to me.I suppose it's possible that 30 years from now people will be revering TDK as much as they do Superman (which deserves it, IMO). But I have the feeling that over time, these films will just seem to take themselves far more seriously than the content justifies.
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As was Downey Jr. But Ledger's performance might have been the best ever in a comics flick.
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and then IM2vs.TDK.
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What movie were you people watching? The horrible sonar fight between Batman and Joker? The lame standoff where Gordon begs Two-Face not to shoot his son before falling to his death? Ohh god, so heartwrenching. The idea of Batman being on the run was interesting however the movie leading upto that idea was anything but. Yeah TDK was thematically heavier then Iron Man, but there's tons of movies dealing with way more complex themes then TDK that aren't necessarily better. The over-reaching praise for TDK is clear cut proof that fanboys have huge double-standards.
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I liked BB but not as much as IM. The acting in BB is great but it is better in IM. Also from a comparison stand point you hear a lot of TDK fans wanting to compare box office numbers between IM and TKD and that is an unfair comparison as well as they should be comparing IM to BB and even then the comparison is not really valid and here is why. IM was not anywhere near as well known as Batman to the mainsream audience and still IM trashed BB both domestically and internationally and for IM to do over half a billion worldwide and over 300 million domestically testifies to the strength of the film and the acting. TDK had two major advantages over IM going in, first of all BB had already been out and built a new audience for Batman and again Batman is better known than IM to the mainstream American audience. When you compare it on those factors IM comes out looking incredibly good. Also the tracking for IM2 is really high and it will be interesting to see if it breaks TDK weekend record.
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Can't forget the absolutely riveting ferry sequence? Whos gonna die!? Convicts, civilians? People NO ONE CARES ABOUT. Seriously it feels like an unused plot element from Die Hard 3. Wasted potential.
And BTW, I liked TDK. -
Your correct, although your looking past the single biggest advantage TDK had over Iron Man. Heath Ledger. His death was extremely tragic, and he gave the film a level of hype you cannot buy.
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Well said. TDK was striking upon first viewing, because it has a dark - therefore unique - tone for a superhero movie. Also watching the deceased Heath Ledger playing an iconic character was pretty heavy, no doubt about it. It was also a great performance. Your right though...the plot of the movie is very thin and many ways, and most the story arcs seemed really small and quick. Many scenes had no real impact on the end of the movie and over-arcing story. Characters were rushed and two-dimensional. The movie is a technical masterpiece (well, in all but action editing), and I firmly believe many people blow that aspect up as proof that the movie is a masterpiece as a whole. I'd say it ranks high in superhero movies, but it's got company.
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When you dig down past all the crap about plot and acting and direction, TDK was basically a failed attempt to take a mythical character who would NEVER exist in the real world (viz a rasping vigilante in a cape) and... plant him in the real world. Just didn't work. And IM, while it had its fun moments, had only enough plot to sustain one 30 minute episode of (insert superhero TV series here). And the showdown between IM and Monger was meh to say the best. I'll still drag my arse along to IM2, of course.
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Heath's death certainly helped the film from an awareness factor and probably had something to do with its gigantic opening weekend. WeakThirdAct cannot disagree with you more. Both IM and TDK were really good movies. Being a huge IM fan since I started reading the comic in 1969 I was both excited and scared when I heard IM was going to be made as a movie. Fav's exceeded my expectations and really delivered a great comic book movie. Exciting, fun, had some depth, really good acting and some timely humor. Plus IM in action was amazing, especially the scene in the Afghan village. I think IM and TDK are two of the best of their genre ever.
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i think directors of both film need serious lesson in creating actions. a great action sequence should have 3 acts. watch the best sequences from john woo, cameron, and wachowskis, and they'll clearly demonstrate to you how it should be done. the actions in ironman has no structural rhythm to it. it's basically just an action moment here and there. tdk fares better, the action scenes have beats and structures to them but they were so poorly conceived and lousily edited anyway that in the end they actually become the film's weakness instead of its strength.
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Nonsense. It's the other way around. Nolan's Batmans movies are like fine wine, they will only get better with age. Deal with it.
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so its a stalemate in that regard. I actually think Iron Man was more successful in telling a compelling, imersive story. It was simpler but got the job done, in an entertaining fashion. I started to lose interest in TDK at the end when the plot started to unravel slightly. I also found TDK's 9/11 terrorism/patriot act allegory stupid, tiresome and out of place.
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I always thought that the triggers in the barges were rigged to blow up their OWN ship. Which would have been a great twist, that those that sank to that level would have killed themselves instead.
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Neither were as good as the first, especially Superman II with his unexplained powers and really campy dialog. Maybe you mean the Donner cut, which I have yet to see.
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...terrible. Loved the first one, this one is so terrible it's breathtaking. Way too much talk, way too much set-up, way too much overacting from Sam Rockwell, and far too few set-piece action sequences. No stand-out scenes. Was bored on numerous occasions. Bad, bad, bad.
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I'm not saying it's radically worse. It's just not as good. First twenty minutes are way too cocky.
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The first is brilliant and (arguably) only honest film about 9/11 and how Americans reacted to it and processed it. TDK is the American subconscious transformed into funnybook tropes and thrown up on the screen in IMAX. It is unassailably brilliant and should have won the Oscar that year.IM, on the other hand, is a mildly entertaining, if forgettable, action comedy. It was okay. Odds are IM 2 will also be okay. On dvd.
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I enjoyed Superman II as well - the theatrical cut - all that goofy shit, that was all part of the charm - and don't kid yourselves that the first movie didn't have any of that shit in itthe Richard Donner cut of Superman II - boring as batshitbut I guess I'm in the minority so... whatev
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The trash compactor scene with evil Superman vs Clark holds up well. Probably the best part about Superman III.
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whilst it plays the cliched "daddy issues" card and is a tad slow and exposition laden at first, the final reel absolutely rocked my jibblets to orgasm.
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But again, I like my superhero brooding and depressing not light and comical... Dark Knight is the fuckin Godfather II of superhero movies...
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what i mean is that in true life, people would not just sit there and start voting who dies and who not.Panic and total chaos would ensue since the basic instinct of survival would kick in.Just remember how the native people reacted after the Haiti earthquake.No time for philosophical discussion on who deserves to live or not,when you face death.But i understand that it would be impossible for Nolan to direct the scene like this,because essentially proves Joker's point of view.and we dont want to dissapoint the mainstream audience with a non-hollywood happy ending right? and people describe this film as dark? Dark films are films like Seven,Apocalypse Now,etc,not Dark Knight because it has the word Dark in its title.And my complain with the chase scene is how it was directed as realism goes.Yes Joker won but where was the grief for the lose of the policemen? where was the anxiety and the thrilling from the policemen and the presence of danger in the chase? nowhere because this scene was a comic-book scene with the policemen only as the obligatory cannon fodder to serve the action of the chase sequence which is there to entertain the audience.we even had at least 3 comedic scenes during the chase.is this how a serious and realistic cop/crime drama movie is considered? because if thats the case then Mann's Heat must be an overrated piece of shit.
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Because both ferries would have exploded immediately. (Who can believe the Joker would play fair?) It might have worked if the ferry business was the culmination of the Two-Face plot, but they waited too long to get him two-faced and then he really didn't do much.
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Or a good Batman movie. Its a technically excellent movie with some strong performances (not Bale), but the plot is confused, the 3rd act is all over the place and they wasted the Scarecrow in a shite sequence. " Hockey Pants!"
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Fuck's sake, you kids and your atempts to try to sound cool! Why you keep on pissing on the talented actors, directors and movies to try to sound cool? Do it against the shiity ones, man! You don't get to be a badass cool by shitting on the good stuff, it only makes you an ass.
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Yes, the deep metaphor and haunting imagery of a pencil going into someone's brain.
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Apr 29, 2010 11:07:15 AM CDT
Malick is hiring Christian Bale for his next movie-to-be
by asimovlives
So, which person i'm going to trust in their opinions about Christian Bale's quality as an actor? Terrence Malick, director of DAYS OF HEAVEN, THE THIN RED LINE and BADLANDS, or a bunch of geeks who disliked TDK for weird uncompreensible reasons?
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So, you are too good for Igmar Bergman, hem? Michael Bay is more your tastes, is that it?And you are wrong, the movie that makes the geekery masturbates in mindless delight is JJ Abrams's STAR TREK. Get your facts right.
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there is no denial in that.The problem is that he was underused in TDK since the movie was more about 2Faces origin.
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OK.so you've got two boatloads of people who against all odds manage to prove that, given a chance, people are smart and will do the right thing. But a few minutes later Gordon and Batman decide that people are too stupid to understand that their district attorney was driven insane and instead launch a massive cover up. This is what you call mixed messaging.
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He is an awesome actor and deserves more praise.
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He is an awesome actor and deserves more praise.
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I have never ever EVER walked out on a movie but I came sooooo damn close with that fucking WANK! Fucking hours of my life I will never get back. I remember my friend and I both looked at each other at the same time and just went "what the fuck???" - we had no idea at the time we were still only about halfway through that crappersonally, I got no problem with Bale. Sure he can be a bit same-same a lot of the time, but hey that's what makes an actor "bankable" right?but don't fucking throw Terrence motherfucking Malick at me as some kind of justification FOR ANYTHING EVEN REMOTELY RESEMBLING "good" fucking cinema
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